Injury of optic nerve, unspecified eye, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late effect resulting from a previous injury to the optic nerve, where the specific eye affected is not documented. It indicates that the initial injury has resolved, but residual damage or complications persist.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a sequela (e.g., vision loss, optic atrophy) due to a past optic nerve injury, and the medical record does not specify whether the right or left eye was affected. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these chronic effects.

• Always sequence sequela codes after the code for the sequela itself (e.g., H47.2x for optic atrophy).
• Avoid using this code for acute optic nerve injuries; those require acute injury codes (e.g., S04.01x).
• Query the provider for laterality if not specified, as more specific codes exist (S04.011S, S04.012S).